Do we need air conditioning in August at the Grand Canyon?
 

Hi -- This may sound like a dumb question, but I haven't been to the GC in many years, so I don't remember how hot it is in August. I'd love to stay in one of the hotels in the park, but I've noticed that several don't have air conditioning? Will we regret choosing one of these after a day of hiking and sight-seeing? (We're not hiking all the way down, just day hikes suitable for the kids.) Thanks.

KM-According to GC's website, the average high at the S. Rim in August is 82, with a low of 53.

http://www.nps.gov/grca/grandcanyon/weather.htm

Dear Kansasmom:

We visited the GC the last week in July. It was around 80-85, no AC needed. The GC elevation is over 7000 ft. Click on my name to read our Sedona/GC trip report.

Have a nice time.

MY

No.

We stayed at Bright Angel with our 2 teenagers in July 2003 for 3 nights. Mid-day after a short hike, a cool shower was all that was necessary to take away that "No Air Conditioning!" regret. Evenings got quite cool (sweater weather) and sleeping with the windows wide open was wonderful.

We've been there in August when it was in the low 40s during the day.

We were there in late July many years ago and it HAILED like crazy one afternoon! Crazy!

Thanks all. Anyone have a particular recommendation for which rim-side hotel to try for? It may be that I'll just be grateful to get any of them!

We stayed at Kachina Lodge in August 04 and were very pleased we did. Think nice Holiday Inn with a fabulous view. Ask for a 2nd floor room when you check in.

Good luck. I made my reservations the previous December so you may be fine.

We liked Bright Angel cabins. Each building has 2 units, each with either queen bed or 2 double beds, small basic bathroom with shower, nice big windows, and can hold 2 adults. We had family of 4 and you can reserve both sides of cabin and open connecting door.

Don't stress about getting cabin right on Rim - pathways go right past cabins and it can get a little noisy at front most cabins - the longest walk from cabin to Rim is about 3 minutes!

We also spent 2 days in July at GC and since it was a last minute trip, the only park accommodation avail was Yavapai lodge...no AC...but it turned out to be great! It is the farthest away from the rim, but still only a 5-10 min walk. I would stay there again.